Tyler Perry is revamping his image in more ways than one. In addition to taking on a thrilling role in Alex Cross (Oct. 19), the 43-year-old actor/director is showing off his slim and trim frame for the latest issue of Men’s Health.

In a recent interview, Perry discussed the freedom he’s experiencing in life, being cast in the role made famous by Morgan Freeman and feeling sexy. Watch out ladies!

On reaching his peak…“I’ve worked my entire life to get to this place. The first 28 years of my life, it was hell and misery. Now I can do whatever I want. I don’t want any drama; I don’t want to argue; I don’t want to answer to anybody. I’ve worked too hard to get here, and I’m loving this freedom.”

On taking on the role made famous by that other guy…“I thought, ‘Well, Morgan Freeman played this role, you might not want to do this, ’cause Morgan Freeman knocked it out of the park.’ But the more I read it, the more I realized that I could do it.”

On adapting to his slimmed-down figure…“I walk into a room with a lot more confidence. All my life I’ve tried to hide my height. I was taller than everybody else and stood out, so I would slouch and try to hide it. But with what I’ve been able to do with my body, I’m owning it. I’m standing up when I walk into a room. Now, I feel like it’s okay to be thought of as sexy.”

In other news, Lionsgate is reportedly in final negotiations with Perry for his next film, Single Mom’s Club. Varietyreports:

“Perry is expected to write, direct, produce and star in the pic, which follows a group of single mothers from different walks of life who are brought together by an incident at their children’s school. They bond and create a support group that helps them find comedy in the obstacles of life, as well as their inner strength to overcome their personal challenges.

Perry will produce along with Ozzie Areu and Matt Moore. Production is expected to start next month in Atlanta, where Perry’s shingle is based.”